Beyond chalk and talk: The inspiring story of Albay’s model teacher

By Gladys Serafica
October 5, 2023, 6:52 pm

DARAGA, Albay – Elgie Radaza believes in second chances.

Hailed as “Philippines’ Woman of Dedication and Most Innovative
Alternative Learning System Teacher of the Year” in the 2023 Dangal ng
Lahi Awards, Radaza is an advocate of the transformative power of
education to make a difference in a student’s life.
“Gusto kong mabigyan ulit ang mga learner na nawala sa formal na
sistema ng edukasyon dahil sa ibat-ibang rason ng second chance. Kung
mahirap ka, hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para baguhin mo ang buhay (I
want to give a second chance to learners who have dropped out of the
formal education system due to various reasons. If you are poor, poverty is
not an obstacle to changing your life. If you want to succeed, what you
need is determination)," she said.
Turning setbacks into comebacks
Radaza, the daughter of a farmer and a housewife in a brood of 10, knew
all too well what it was like to be poor at an early age. But instead of
wallowing in self-pity, she had her mind set on a specific goal: She would
be the first college degree holder in the family.
It is her testimony as somebody who was able to make it despite the
insurmountable challenges in life that have made her a beacon of hope for
her students.
Nicole Shane Mendaza, 23, an ALS passer who was forced to quit formal
school due to teenage pregnancy, remembers her former teacher with so
much fondness.
“Sobrang thankful po ako sa kanya dahil siya po ang tumayo bilang
pangalawang magulang ko. Siya po ang gumabay at nagpalakas ng loob
ko upang matupad ang aking pangarap na mairaos ko ang pag-aaral.
Tiwala lang sa sarili ang lagi nyang payo sa akin dahil walang ibang
tutulong kundi sarili ko lang. (I am very thankful to her because she served
as my second parent. She guided me and encouraged me to fulfill my
dream of completing my education. She would always advise me to trust
myself because no one will help me but myself)," she said.
In her 14 years of service as an ALS teacher, Radaza could no longer
remember the names and faces of all the out-of-school children, out-of-
school youth, and out-of-school adults that she has mentored.
One 64-year-old grandmother, however, who is working for a local
barangay council, stands out from the crowd.
“She is very special to me because, despite her age, she has a dream and
is very willing to learn. She values me as a teacher. She diligently does her
modules, and she listens to my advice.”
Asked why she has such a strong affinity for this senior learner, she said it
is because she reminds her of her mother, who instilled in her the value of
education when she was young. Her mother, who passed away at the age
of 82, only finished Grade 4.
Radaza’s story is a testament to the power of education to create a ripple
effect on the lives of individuals. Through her second chance philosophy,
she empowers her students, making them believe that they are not defined
by their circumstances and that their future lies in their hands.
Leaving an indelible mark
Radaza’s impact extends far beyond the four corners of her classroom in
the Anislag Community Learning Center.
To Dave, her second eldest son, she is a “wonder woman” for her ability to
maintain a cheerful disposition and a calm demeanor despite her personal
struggles.
As a mother of five, who is now the family's sole breadwinner after her
husband figured in a motorcycle accident in 2017, her selfless attitude to
“put the needs of her family first” speaks volumes about her character.
To Jemah Brecia, her former mentee and now co-teacher, what sets
Radaza apart is her unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.
“Up until now, she has consistently and diligently taught her students. Even
though there are so many changes and challenges in the curriculum, she
always delivers,” she said.
For Bryan Advincula, an ALS teacher from another school, Radaza’s legacy
is her infectious attitude toward work that is driven by her passion and
dedication to serving the needs of her students.
Radaza has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contribution
to the field of education.
In 2022, she was a finalist in the “Most Inspiring ALS Teacher’ during the
Albay Recognition of Unconditional and Genuine Action for Nobility
(ARUGAN) Awards. Just this year, she was also hailed as one of the
Dangal ng Lahi Awards winners.
More than the awards, however, Radaza believes that the real reward is
seeing her students achieve their dreams.
“Watching my students become successful is the greatest reward of being
a teacher,” she said. (PNA)
Questions:
 Impact of Education: How does Elgie Radaza's story illustrate the impact of
education on transforming lives and offering second chances? In what ways
does her approach to teaching inspire you?
 Challenges and Triumphs: What challenges has Radaza faced in her career
and personal life? How has she demonstrated resilience and perseverance in
the face of these challenges?
 Passion and Dedication: How does Radaza's commitment to her work and
her students go beyond the traditional role of a teacher? In what ways does
her passion for teaching influence her students and colleagues?
 Legacy and Rewards: What does Radaza's story tell us about the rewards of
teaching and the legacy she leaves behind? How might her approach to
education shape the future of her students and the community?